So why the attraction? Despite the difficulty of the play's theme — mental illness — "it's a terrific evening of theater," said Bill Ahmanson, president of the Center Theatre Group, which includes the Ahmanson, the Mark Taper Forum and the Kirk Douglas Theatre.

"I listen for the moments that pop," Kitt said. "I could tell the audience got on board right away."

Manheim said she suffered from "talent envy," given the acting and singing abilities of the cast.

For more coverage, please see Page D17 in today's Calendar section.

A salute to 'Rigoletto'

Across the Music Center Plaza the previous night, the L.A. Opera feted the cast of "Rigoletto," following the opera's premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

With a nod toward Thanksgiving weekend, board chairman Marc Stern offered thanks for "what we saw onstage tonight" and for the recent contract renewals of general director Plácido Domingo and Music Director James Conlon.

Spotted too were opera board President Carol Henry, Chapman University President James Doti and his wife, Lynne, and Bette and Wylie Aitken.

L.A. Conservancy fundraiser

Producer Michael LaFetra opened his Malibu home Nov. 20 for "Seaside Chic in the Colony," giving supporters of the Los Angeles Conservancy a chance to wander through his teak, cedar, fir and curved-concrete beach abode, before adjourning to nearby Nobu for a Japanese feast.

The fundraiser netted more than $100,000 to help preserve L.A.'s architectural heritage. "We've fought a lot of battles," said board President Charmaine Atherton, naming the Century Plaza as a recent victory. Thanks to the conservancy's efforts and others, the hotel — which had been destined for destruction — will become the centerpiece of a new complex of shops, restaurants, offices and residences in Century City.

Event co-chair Lauren King said the group holds its events at historic sites, such as LaFetra's house, which was designed by John Lautner, the architect responsible for some of the city's most original homes. King added that she hopes to increase awareness in Beverly Hills, where she and the conservancy's executive director, Linda Dishman, will join author Frank Escher on March 3 for a talk about Lautner for the Beverly Hills Historical Society at the Beverly Hills Women's Club.

King and Diane Keaton served as event co-chairs, with guests including Susan and Peter Strauss, Trina Turk and Jonathan Skow, and Cedd Moses.